Training programme for young entrepreneurs honours first graduates

A celebration lunch was held to mark the achievements of six young people who have completed the Ignite course, run by Bootle-based business support agency Regenerus.

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

A new training programme which offers support for young would-be entrepreneurs on Merseyside has honoured its first graduates.

A celebration lunch was held to mark the achievements of six young people who have completed the Ignite course, run by Bootle-based business support agency Regenerus and funded by the Liverpool City Region Talent Match programme.

The ten-week course - aimed at 18-24 year olds who have been out of work or education for 12 months - is designed to help participants turn their ideas, skills or passions into a small business.

Using a mixture of presentations, practical exercises and team events, it helps the young people to define their business, identify who would buy their product or service and learn how to market it.

Other sessions on social media, pitching for crowdfunding support and making a promotional film are delivered by existing small businesses operating in these fields that have been supported by Regenerus - Sandbox Digital, Juxdit and Periscope Pictures.

The business ideas of the young people on the inaugural course include jewellery making, photography, theatre in education and the production of graphic novels.

Regenerus business advisers and peer mentors are now working with them to help them start trading.

Regenerus Business Development Manager, Eve Money, said: “This has been an exciting programme to develop in partnership with the young people, and we are delighted that they have found it so useful.

“They have some excellent business ideas, and a huge amount of enthusiasm and drive to get their new enterprises off the ground, so we will continue to offer them practical support in any way we can.

“We’re also very grateful to tutors, specialist trainers and mentors for their input and commitment to this new programme.”

Regenerus is now recruiting young entrepreneurs for its next course starting in mid April. The course runs one day a week for ten weeks and young people who go on to set up their business receive a £250 grant for the company.